News Releases

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. - American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews announced today that the AHLs Board of Governors, currently convened for its Annual Meeting, has overwhelmingly approved the mandatory use of protective visors by all of its players, beginning with the upcoming 2006-07 season.

This is a very significant and progressive step in the evolution of our league, said Andrews. The safety of our world-class athletes remains a top priority, and after lengthy discussions with the Professional Hockey Players Association and medical experts, there is no doubt in our minds that this is necessary and the right thing to do.

All AHL skaters, regardless of age or experience, will be required to wear approved visors beginning this fall.

We particularly appreciate the leadership provided to us on this issue by Dr. Michael J. Stuart, Chief Medical Officer of USA Hockey and Co-Director of the Sports Medicine Center at the Mayo Clinic, added Andrews. His research and articulate presentations to our Board and to our Players Association were very helpful in this process.

In operation since 1936, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 82 percent of todays NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the fifth year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America in 2005-06.